Monday, July 18, 2011

John George Hess, Revolutionary War Patriot

On the 4th of July 2011, I finally found the lead that I needed to learn more about my Revolutionary War Ancestor, John Hess. I had previously combed the DAR records and Lebanon Historical Society records without success. I knew my ancestor was a dyer who was a patriot buried in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

An old application from the 1950s had a "John George Hess" buried in Lebanon, PA. I was familiar with the Daughters of the American Revolution but not the companion organization for men. How sexist of me!

Since that time I have learned more of his birth (orphaned within 2 weeks of his birth), his service (several stints starting as a replacement for others) and his family, life and death.

What a wonderful celebration of Independence Day weekend 2011! Thank you, John George Hess and to all your fellow comrades in arms for helping to establish this fine country we are so blessed in which to live.